How to Make Halo-Halo

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I was restless. Restless and bored. And the heat wasn’t helping at all. The poor old fan in my room had been running all day for days, humming furiously without a moment’s rest. I spent the entire morning reading and had nothing planned for the rest of the day. All I could think about was how I could make the blistering summer days fly by more quickly.

Summer had always had that effect on me while growing up back home. The excitement of being away from the rigor of school would wear off so quickly and the long summer days would drag without end. I could think of a million things I would want to do: learn how to swim, take photographs, or travel to places I had never been but those were luxuries my family couldn’t afford. My dad was busy trying to make ends meet and I was certain that a camera or a trip was the last thing on his mind. I never regretted it, though. Okay, maybe I did. I’d be completely dishonest with you if I’d say there were no regrets.

But summer wasn’t just all about ennui and regrets. Not at all. When I think of summer I think of my childhood friends and our mundane yet memorable adventures. I think of my radio and my mixed tapes filled with mushy ballads and Cyndi Lauper. And I think of the jars of sweet red mung beans, bananas, jackfruits, and ube jam in our fridge and the ice wrapped in plastic in the freezer. I think of my mom laboriously shaving ice into fine, delicate powder and making halo-halo — a towering stack of sweet fruits and beans mixed together with ice and milk. The delicious hodgepodge of summer treats seemed to make those long, hot summer days go by more swiftly.

And wherever I am, even if it’s a hundred degrees or way below zero, rain or shine, a tall glass of halo-halo will always hit the spot and remind me of home.

Halo-Halo Recipe

leche flan
purple yam jam (haleyang ube)
jackfruit (langka)
saba bananas
sweet potatoes (kamote)
adzuki or red mung beans
young coconut (macapuno)
agar-agar, or gelatin
evaporated milk, or whole milk
shaved ice

Halo-halo is the quintessential Filipino dessert.  It’s a towering stack of sweetened fruits and beans mixed with shaved ice and milk.

In a tall glass or a deep bowl, stack the ingredients one on top of the other in whichever order you wish.  I usually start with a thick layer of purple yam jam at the bottom and work my way up by layering young coconut, saba bananas, adzuki beans and the rest of the ingredients.  Leave some space at the top for the shaved ice.  Cover with shaved ice  to the rim.  Generously pour in evaporated milk or whole milk and top with a spoonful of leche flan.  Mix everything together.

Top 10 Beaches in the Philippines

These are the Top 10 Beaches in the Philippines:

1. White Beach, Boracay Island

Boracay will always be the BEST beach place in the hearts of many Filipinos. The island is a feast for the senses – there’s gourmet food, a variety of cuisines, luxurious hotels, exotic spas, adventure sports, and the best nightlife on any island.

People go to Boracay not only for the powdery white sands and the energetic nightlife, but also to experience the bohemian beach spirit. This spirit lives on in the people who have decided to stay in Boracay despite the overdevelopment on this small island off the coast of Caticlan.

The people of Boracay are now more eco-conscious, and eco-friendly programs are being rolled out to protect the beauty of Boracay for the next generation.

2. Entalula Island, El Nido, Palawan

Entalula Island is the best beach island in the Bacuit Bay group of islands in El Nido, Palawan. It is a small, secluded area with limestone cliffs protecting the beach.

It is a private island owned by El Nido Resorts, but a small portion of the beach can be publicly accessed by island-hopping tourists from El Nido town.

The beach has sugar-fine, white sand that could very well match Boracay’s famous sand. I'm glad they decided not to build a resort on the island to maintain its pristine charm.

The best part of the Entalula Island experience is that you can request the resort to arrange lunch or dinner there for you. That way, you get to enjoy the beach privately and you can savor the time spent with your group or just your special someone.

3. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan is said to be the last beach frontier in the Philippines, boasting a 14-kilometer stretch of white sand that can rival the best beach destinations in the world. Its beauty is raw and undeveloped (no big resorts yet).

The runway of the area’s international airport has already been developed, meaning it can accommodate the big international planes. People are just waiting for the terminal to be built so that the first official flights to San Vicente can commence.

A lot of people have already invested in the beach lots, but its future remains speculative. On a positive note, this time, we get the chance to develop a beach destination with resorts far away from the shoreline and constructed in an eco-friendly way.

One day, I hope to run barefoot across that entire 14-kilometer stretch – from end to end!

4. Daplac Cove, Boayan Island, San Vicente, Palawan

Daplac Cove is relatively undiscovered and rarely talked about, except maybe for the controversies regarding its ownership. I had the pleasure of visiting the island and the small solar-powered house built by Ditchay Roxas. I was blown away by the beauty of the entire cove.

Just imagine: fine, white Boracay-like sand beside aquamarine waters. You can actually open your eyes underwater and it wouldn’t hurt since there is a mix of fresh and seawater.

Daplac Cove also has a vibrant marine life. Sometimes, you can view the cove’s sea inhabitants very close to the shore.

The island is also a nature preserve for the endangered Tabon Bird and the vulnerable Palawan hornbills and eagles. The people of Boayan are protecting the island from illegal fishing and illegal cutting of the kulasi trees.

5. Matukad Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Matukad Island offers a wonderful combination of the great features of other beaches. Its sandy beach can be compared to Boracay; its limestone cliffs are like those in Palawan; and its location in a group of islands is similar to that of Hundred Islands. It is located across the popular Gota Beach, which is the location shoot for the TV show Survivor. I like how the island is undeveloped and that it will remain that way.

From Matukad, Laos Island can be found nearby. This is quite a unique place because it has two beach coves that face different sides of the island. You can stand in the middle of the intersection of the beach and you'll have different beach views on your left and on your right. Two limestone cliffs anchor the beach, adding to a visual feast you'll never forget.

6. Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte

The next beach frontier: Calaguas Islands. The place is far from being developed but a lot of backpackers are already visiting the island. You have to cross open seas for two hours onboard a big fishing boat (which could carry a carabao from one island to another).

Once you arrive in Mahabang Buhangin, you'll be captivated by its raw beauty. Its long, uninhabited cove gives you the feeling that you have arrived on the set of The Beach. If you plan to swim, be careful because the beach slopes down drastically. If you want to stay overnight on the island, you have to pitch a tent.

This is perfect for groups of adventurous people who want to bond while enjoying nature. Your only source of entertainment would be your shared life stories and funny misadventures along the way.

7. Club Paradise Beach, Coron, Palawan

The Calamianes Group of Islands in Coron, the northern part of Palawan, is known for its dive spots instead of its beaches. However, there is one island that seems to be blessed with all the white sand that surrounds the area.

The island has a fully developed resort called Club Paradise, which offers urban amenities like good buffet food and modern beach huts (that open to the beach). There, you can also find a dive resort, a videoke room, a jungle bar, and conference rooms for team building sessions.

But the best parts are the hiking trail to the topmost part of the island, the little nature museum, and the secret beach. :)

8. Balesin, Polillo Islands, Quezon

Balesin is a forgotten island. This used to be a popular beach escape during the Marcos era. All developments stopped at one point in time and the island became less accessible. There were only two ways to get there: via a 4-hour boat ride or a cost-prohibitive charter flight.

The Balesin resort was not well-maintained and the food needed a lot of improvement. Soon, the island resort was forced to cease operations. With its halted development, the beauty of its beaches became the centerpiece again.

Balesin’s beach is safe for kids because it slopes gradually. I was actually able to visit the place before it closed down. I remember hopping from one secluded beach cove to another on foot. It was very relaxing -- all I did was lie down on the beach and enjoy nature’s splendor.

One of my best beach photographs was taken in Balesin. I’m glad to know the entire island is being developed by Alphaland in an eco-sustainable way. For sure, a lot of beach lovers can't wait for its opening.

9. Kota Beach, Bantayan and White Beach Malapascua Island, Cebu

My first beach love: the twin island beaches of Malapascua and Bantayan. We would often go on an inter-island boat cruise on a rented banca just to experience both beaches on one trip.

Kota Beach in Bantayan is like a corner beach. There, you can view nature on both left and right sides – a greatmuni-muni spot to reflect on your life and its many aspects.

Malapascua Beach, on the other hand, is the “undeveloped Boracay”, where you can enjoy the beach without the noise of overdevelopment and the nightlife. It's a place where you can escape, write a book, or simply lounge around incognito.

10. "Blue Lagoon" Maira-ira Beach, Pagudpud

Blue Lagoon in Maira-ira was once the hidden beach that was considered the “Boracay of the North”. It has a natural cove that turns turquoise blue when seen from a high vantage point. The lush foliage and rice fields surrounding it made its pristine condition even more charming.

However, such beauty was not able to escape enterprising developers. A big resort was built very close to the beach, promising urban amenities and beach sports activities. The resort started to destroy the Blue Lagoon by pouring cement over the rice fields and cutting down all the trees in its path.

I wouldn't be surprised if, one day, most of the rice fields are cemented and, soon, Blue Lagoon will just be a distant memory for those who were lucky enough to experience its raw beauty.

UP NEXT: Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Palawan

Amanpulo is the ultimate beach destination for beach lovers like me. With promises of secluded beaches, flawless service, and an experience that your mind, heart and pocket will never forget, who can resist?

I've never been to Amanpulo, though, so I'm still not including it in my Top 10. I'm reserving this experience for our 10th year anniversary. :)

Live an Awesome Life,

Gelatin Dessert or Jello Dessert

Filipino Style Recipe: gelatin dessert or jello dessert is one of the easiest and popular appetizer or dessert of Filipinos in every occasion specially during Christmas and New Year. The typical gelatin dessert is consist of various colorful gelatin blend in condensed milk and fridge until firm.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes
Good for 15 servings.

Ingredients:
1 box strawberry flavored gelatin
1 box lime flavored gelatin
1 box orange flavored gelatin
2 boxes unflavored gelatin(colorless)
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
5 cups boiling water
1/2 cup cold water

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a square pan, dissolve each flavored gelatin in 1 cup boiling water then add 1/2 cup cold water. Mix well.
2. Repeat this step to other gelatin in a separate pan.
3. Place in fridge until firm.
4. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Set aside.

Part 2
1. In a bowl, dissolved unflavored gelatin in 1-1/2 cup boiling water, condensed milk. Mix well and let it cool.

Part 3
1. In a large pan, randomly place the cubed gelatin then pour milk mixture.
2. Stir gently to evenly distribute gelatin cubes.
3. Refrigerate for 5 hours or until firm. Slice then serve.

Buko Salad

Filipino Style Recipe: buko salad is another variety of popular Filipino salad that usually served in every occasion specially during Christmas and New Year. The typical buko salad is consist of young coconut strips and various fruits blend in condensed milk, heavy cream and cheese. Refrigerate and serve cold.

Estimated time of preparation: 20-40 minutes(plus chilling time)

Ingredients:
4 cups young coconut strips(buko)
2 cans (15oz) fruit cocktail
1 jar(12 oz) Nata de coco
1 can(14 oz) condensed milk
1 pack(7 oz) all-purpose cream

1 small bottle sugar palm fruit(kaong)(optional)
1 can(8 oz) pineapple tidbits(optional)
1/2 cup jackfruit(langka)(optional)
100 grams raisins(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a strainer, drain all the fruits thoroughly for at least 30 minutes.

Part 2
1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix till well blended.
2. Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Served cold.

FILIPINO DESSERT

Pichi Pichi

Filipino Style Recipe: Pichi-Pichi is another popular and easy Filipino delicacy specially in Quezon province. In traditional way we used to boil and grate the cassava(kamoteng kahoy). To make things easier, we will used cassava flour instead. This delicacy is made with combined grated cassava, water and sugar. Steamed and rolled in grated coconut.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 60-70 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups grated cassava or cassava flour
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon lye water
2 cups pandan water(combine 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract)
1 cup grated coconut or grated cheddar cheese

Procedures:
1. In a bowl, combine all theingredients except grated coconut. Mix until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into individual cup molds.
3. In a steamer, steam the mixture for 40-45 minutes or until golden and translucent.
4. Remove from steamer and let it cool.
5. Remove from the cup and roll each pieces into grated coconut for nice coating. Done!

Notes:
1. Another traditional way is to boiled pandan leaves to produced pandan water.

Pork Adobo with Coconut Milk

Filipino Style Recipe: Pork adobo with coconut milk(adobong baboy sa gata) is normally the pork belly marinade then sauteed and cooked in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper and coconut milk.

Estimated time of preparation: 10 minutes(plus marinating time)
Estimated time of cooking: 40-50 minutes

Good for 4-6 persons

Ingredients:
1 kilo pork belly/liempo, cut into serving pieces
1/2 cup coconut milk
6 cloves garlic, minces
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon peppercorns
3 pieces bay leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 pieces red chili(labuyo),(optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Marinade:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground pepper

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a bowl, combine pork, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar and ground pepper.
2. Marinate for an hour.

Part 2
1. In a saucepan, heat oil and saute garlic, onion, peppercorn and bay leaf.
2. Add pork and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add coconut milk, red chili and marinade.
4. Cook in a low heat for 20-30 minutes or until pork is tender. Add water if needed.
5. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
6. Simmer until the sauce thicken and start rendered oil.
7. Serve with steamed rice.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Fish Fillet

Filipino Style Recipe: grilled lemon pepper fish fillet is a low-carbohydrate dish. It is usually consists of fish fillet season in butter, lemon juice and grind pepper. Top with slices of lemon and wrap with aluminum foil. Grilled in hot charcoal until tender.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 40 minutes
Good for 3-4 persons

Ingredients:
4 fish fillet(tilapia, salmon)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons melted butter orolive oil
slices of lemon
grind pepper

Procedures:
1. Place fish fillet in a good sizesheet of aluminum foil.
2. Brush both sides of fillet with melted butter.
3. Season with pepper and lemon juice.
4. Top with slices of lemon, wrap the fish tightly.
5. Grill for about 15-20 minutes on both sides or until tender.
6. Serve with steamed beans.

Note:
1. You may also season the fish with salt.